MORE BREAKING NEWS FROM THE 2008 L.A. AUTO SHOW

Great-looking convertibles are scarce. Usually the best convertibles (like the Mazda Miata or Porsche Boxster), were developed and designed as ragtops from the get-go. The coupe-derived G37 Convertible, on the other hand, borrows heavily from the Coupe—and with its hinged metal retractable top deployed, could probably pass for a coupe on a dark night. That's despite the fact that all the body panels from the windscreen back are unique. Overall width and rear track are both around an inch wider than the Coupe.

That resemblance is a good thing: the G37 Coupe's svelte lines have attracted admiration every time we've had the chance to spend some time in one. The 4100-lb Convertible is powered by the same 3.7-liter 24-valve 325 hp DOHC V6 with 267 lb-ft of torque as the Coupe, of course. Well, actually the coupe engine is rated at an extra 5 ponies, but who's counting. EPA mileage is 17 mpg city and 24 highway—but they don't say if that's with the top up or down. Like the Coupe, the Convertible gets a choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a the 7-speed automatic. The manual transmission comes with a performance package, including bigger tires and wheels, bigger brakes and retuned suspension. We'll be checking off that box on the order form.

Of course, there are the usual panoply of comfort, convenience and safety items, like adaptive cruise control, ABS, Brake Assist, yaw control, HID head lamps, upgraded audio system with internal hard drive, and navigation.

The G37 Convertible is intended to compete with such players as the BMW 3-series convertible and the Lexus IS convertible recently announced at the Paris Motor show. Prices haven't been released, of course, but we'll hazard a guess that it will be around five grand more than a Coupe, similarly equipped—that puts it handily over 40 grand. —Mike Allen